Pope Francis issued a cautionary message about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) during his visit to Singapore this week, stressing the need for technology to foster unity rather than isolation, Newsweek reported. 

Speaking on September 12 as part of his tour of a number of Asian nations, the Pope emphasised that while AI holds potential, it could also marginalise certain communities if not carefully managed.

This is not the first time the 87-year-old Pope has raised concerns about AI. Earlier this year, he urged world leaders to ban "lethal autonomous weapons," emphasising the moral responsibility to ensure that machines never decide to take human lives. His comments were made during a meeting with G7 leaders in June, where he advocated for stronger human oversight over advanced technologies.

During his time in Singapore, after spending several days each in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis commended the nation's remarkable economic success, attributing it to human ingenuity. However, he also called on leaders to prioritise the well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly foreign workers, as Singapore continues to grow. 

His remarks came after a tour of some of Asia’s poorest nations, making his message even more poignant in one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

In a symbolic gesture, Singapore honoured the Pope by unveiling a new hybrid orchid named after him, the "Dendrobium His Holiness Pope Francis," showcasing the nation’s appreciation for his visit. The Pope marvelled at Singapore's skyline and addressed a crowd of 50,000 at the National Stadium, reminding them that the most valuable investment in God’s eyes is human dignity and compassion.

Pope Francis also praised Singapore’s efforts in sustainable development and public welfare, urging leaders to continue their focus on supporting the vulnerable while maintaining excellence in education and healthcare.

The pope will return to the Vatican on September 13. His final stop in Singapore has further highlighted the shift of Catholicism's focus to Asia under his papacy and has raised hopes that this trend will persist